Kanha and the Serpent Kaliya

Near Vrindavan, there was a deep pool in the river Yamuna. A huge serpent named Kaliya lived in it with his family. His poison had made the water so harmful that even birds flying over it fell down, and the trees and plants on the bank had dried up.

One hot day, Kanha came there with his friends, grazing the cows. The cows and the cowherd boys were very thirsty. They drank water from that very pool and fell down unconscious. Kanha looked at them with loving eyes, and they all sat up as if waking from sleep.

Kanha thought, "This river belongs to everyone. It must be made clean again." He climbed a tall kadamb tree on the bank, tightened his waist-cloth and jumped into the pool with a big splash! The water leapt up in high waves.

Hearing the noise, Kaliya came out in anger and wrapped his coils tightly around Kanha. His friends were frightened. When the news reached Vraj, Yashoda Maiya, Nand Baba and the whole village came running to the bank. Everyone was crying. Only Balram stood calm and smiling. He knew how strong his little brother was, and he stopped everyone from going into the water.

Kanha saw how sad his loved ones were. He made his body bigger, and bigger still. Kaliya's grip became loose, and he had to let Kanha go. Kaliya raised his many hoods and began to hiss.

At once Kanha leapt up onto his hoods and began to dance! Whenever a hood rose up, Kanha's little foot tapped it back down. It looked like a dance to music. In the sky, the devtas played drums and showered flowers.

With all that dancing, Kaliya became very tired. All his pride was gone. He understood that this child was Bhagwan himself. Just then, Kaliya's wives came with folded hands and said, "Prabhu, please forgive our husband."

Kind Kanha stopped dancing. Kaliya bowed his heads and said, "Prabhu, I am a serpent, and anger is in my nature. Please forgive me."

Kanha said, "Kaliya, leave this river with your family and go to the island of Ramanak in the sea. Do not be afraid of Garud. When he sees my footprints on your hoods, he will not trouble you."

Kaliya worshipped Kanha and left with his family. The water of the Yamuna became clean and sweet again, and everyone hugged Kanha tightly.